The Hampshire Incorporated Law Society.

Hampshire Legal Awards 2018

Hampshire Legal Awards 2018

Recognition was granted to the Hampshire legal profession at a gala dinner and award ceremony at the Hilton Ageas Bowl on Thursday 17th May where over 230 guests enjoyed a fabulous evening of entertainment including beer tasting from a local micro brewery and an entertaining and passionate after dinner speech from Chris Packham, Top table guests of the President Kristina Colmer included officers from local professional institutions and neighbouring law societies.

A record number of entries were received in the 4 categories making for stiff competition.

Paris Smith took Hampshire Incorporated Law Society’s ‘Large Law Firm of the Year’ award (sponsored by Smith and Williamson) with last year’s winners Irwin Mitchell as runners up. In addition one of Paris Smith’s clinical negligence team, Peter Taylor, was runner up of the Lawyer of the Year category.

The best small firm for a consecutive year was Churchers which traces its roots back 130 years and supports a number charities making a positive impact on the local community. Managing Partner Ian Robinson said “ I am very proud and delighted to have accepted the award on behalf of the staff at Churchers. It is recognition of the hard work, dedication and commitment that everyone at the firm has contributed to our success over the past 12 months”. The runner up was Larcomes. This category was sponsored by Barclays.

Solicitor of the year (sponsored by Quantuma) was scooped by Simon Rhodes of Trethowans. Simon, Head of Employment and Senior Partner joined Trethowans in 2005. Simon was recognised for his diverse range of activity aimed at raising the profile of the legal profession.

The most hotly fought category of Junior Lawyer with 7 shortlisted entries was won by Grant Usher of Verisona Law. Grant joined the corporate and commercial team just over a year ago and has proved himself with both amongst colleagues and clients with his talent, diligence and maturity.

All the winners were presented with their awards by Chris Packham, TV presenter and naturalist best known for his BBC Springwatch series and the Really Wild Show.

As well as handing out the awards Chris spoke passionately about his childhood in Hampshire his struggle with autism and his love of nature and animals. He amused guests with stories of rescued pets from the very fields surrounding the Ageas Bowl and impressed upon his audience the need for continued environmental care.

The evening raised £2300 for Dementia Friendly Hampshire (including a generous money match from Barclays bank), An independent charity, linked with the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Friendly Hampshire is driving the development of dementia friendly communities across the county to assist people affected by this debilitating condition.

Kristina Colmer, President of Hampshire Law Society said ‘I am delighted by the warmth and generosity of the legal profession and Barclays, to have helped raise awareness of dementia a cause very close to my heart and to contribute to making a difference to peoples’ lives.’